Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 6: 14/20

としては

As a, For a, As for

Structure

Noun + として

Details

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About としては

Like として, a grammar point meaning 'as', としては functions as an extension of this, with the は particle merely emphasizing the (A) subject as a stand-alone entity that is about to be compared with something, or that the speaker is assuming the result of (B), from the standpoint of (A). としては may be translated as 'as (A)', or 'for an (A)'. (A) will frequently highlight a person or organization in cases where the speaker is making an assumption from that standpoint.
This structure will be used after nouns, and is a combination of と, the て-form of する, and は. The literal translation is something similar to 'going off that (A) is (A), (B)'.
  • あの(ひと)先輩(せんぱい)としてはいいけど、友達(ともだち)になろうとは(おも)えない。
    As a senpai, he is a good person, but I don't think I would want to be friends with him.
  • あの会社(かいしゃ)建築(けんちく)会社(がいしゃ)としてはホワイトな(ほう)だと(あも)う。
    I think that company is white as far as construction companies go.
In cases where the noun connected to としては is not a person or organization, the translation will often simply be 'as for'. In these sentences, としては is merely highlighting the broad topic of (A), before the speaker offers their thoughts about what applies to that topic.
  • アイデアとしてはいいんですが、実際(じっさい)にやるとなるとものすごい費用(ひよう)がかかると(おも)います。
    That is good as an idea, but I think it would cost a tremendous amount of money to actually do it.
  • ピアノは趣味(しゅみ)としては()きだけど、ピアノで()べていこうとは(おも)わない。
    I like playing the piano as a hobby, but I don't want to make a living out of it.
In contrast to にしては, としては is more frequently used to make broad judgements taking into consideration all aspects of (A), and what would usually be expected of (A), rather than for giving personal opinions.

Examples

  • とてもいい友達(ともだち)だと(おも)けど、恋人(こいびと)としては(かんが)えられない。

    I think he is as a very good friend, but as a lover, that is unimaginable.

  • 概論(がいろん)としてはまだ不十分(ふじゅうぶん)です。

    For an outline, it still needs work.

  • ()()としては、ぼろすぎないか?

    For your Sunday best (clothes), aren't they a little raggedy?

  • アイデアとしてはいいが、実現(じつげん)するのは(むずか)しい

    As an idea, that is good. However, it will be difficult in practice.

  • イメージとしては()かりますが、説明(せつめい)曖昧(あいまい)すぎます。

    As a mental image I understand, but the explanation is too vague.

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としては – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

  • FredKore

    FredKore

    About 3 years ago

    Just pondering…

    • This grammar point is translated as “for” or “as”.
    • English grammar often occurs in phrases – such as “jump out”, “jump in”, “jump on” – which is different than just “jump”.

    I wonder if this grammar point としては might be better thought of as “for a __” or “as a __”, because it’s usually translated like that and it functions like that phrase.
    I guess when I see “for” by itself, I think of things like ~ため (for this reason) or ~てくれる、~てあげる (for me, for someone), where there’s an object directly tied to the word/point.

    My two cents.

  • Pushindawood

    Pushindawood

    About 3 years ago

    Thank you for your suggestion! I have updated the grammar point’s meaning page and example sentences to highlight “as a” or “for a” instead of just “as” and “for.” Cheers!

  • FredKore

    FredKore

    About 3 years ago

    Oh, so it was a good suggestion? Awesome!
    Thank you for taking feedback from all of us!

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